1920s chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of a rooster. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful patina. Length 1.76 inches.

1920s 2-toned chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of himono (dried fish). Well captured essence of the object, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, beautiful patina. Length 3.21 inches.

1920s good size chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of himono (dried fish). Well captured essence of the object, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, beautiful patina. Length 4.9 inches.

Unusual late Taisho (1920s) netsuke of kagamibuta (mirror lid) type with wooden bowl, rotating himotoshi peg and cloisonné top decorated with numerous flowers. Very well made, beautiful enamel colors, in superb condition. Bowl diameter 1.72 inches.

Unusual 19th century bronze netsuke of a seated monk. Nicely cast, beautiful patina, some wear. Characters on the bottom appera to read ROKUSHIN, possibly the name of the artist. Height 1.23 inches.

Height: 5.8 cm (2.3 in) Width: 2.7 cm (1.1 in) Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)
Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a young woman holding a garland of flowers over her head; finely detailed, natural material; textured and stained throughout; signed to the base; good condition

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1920s) Japanese Kutani porcelain obidome (sash ornament) with enamel decoration of various auspicious objects: coins, key, scroll, magical raincoat, Precious Gem and others. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice design, excellent quality painting with gold and other enamels, bar on the back for an obi cord...

Japanese Brown Cafe au Lait color Lacquer nut shape Ojime, 11/16" high, 11/16" wide, 1/2" deep, hollow inside with large holes on the top and the bottom to tightening to connect to Netsuke. The condition is good.

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1910s) netsuke of Daikoku seated next to his mallet, and a rat climbing onto his shoulder. Daikoku is one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune - that of abundance and of rice - and the rats are associated with him - where there is a lot of rice, there are rats. Very nicely carved, great smiling face, black ink highlights, beautifully depicted textile patterns, pleasant patina...

Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)
Length: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a reclining puppy scratching his ear; natural material with inlaid horn eyes

Late Meiji (1890s to 1910s) Japanese pink coral obidome (sash ornament) with carved decoration of a blooming rose. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, wonderful carving, very beautiful natural coral, nice finish and patina. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord (marked 14K, but looks like nickel plated brass...

Late Meiji wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Hannya. Cleverly carved out os soft evergreen wood in ittobori (one-cut) style characteristic of Hida school, colors and gold lacquer highlights, beautiful patina. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1900-1920) okimono size wooden mask of smiling Okame. Wonderfully captured facial expression, cleverly exaggerated cheeks sticking out, great quality carving typical for the Hida school. The material is ichii (Japanese yew wood) with clever use of wood texture to add to the charm of the piece. Signed SUKEZUMI on the back - the artist must have been a Hida school carver and worked on netsuke as well. Height 5 inches.

Large Japanese boxwood netsuke of a walking scholar carrying a scroll. With fine hand carved detail and charming expression.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 1.75" x 1.5" x 4.25" H

This Meiji period Japanese netsuke is hand carved and represents a mask of Okame aka Ko-omote the young girl of the Noh theater. Material appears to be ivory.

Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

Charming monkey eating persimmon boxwood okimono. Very well detailed fur and paws naturally rendered. artist signed in an oblong cartouche Sinsei. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Dimensions: 1.5 inches high. Good condition and patina.

Antique Japanese blackwood netsuke carving of a Hanna Noh theatre mask, with piercing gilt eyes and teeth, pointed ears and two short horns. The Hannya (般若) mask is a mask used in Noh theater, representing a jealous female demon. It possesses two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth. The backside of the netsuke has a calligraphy inscription / signature.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 2" H x 1.5" W x 1.25" thick

A Japanese erotic ebony netsuke of Okame with ivory-eyed holding a large mushroom. Engraved Tomotsugu signature on the mushroom. Edo period 18-19th century Sizes: 4,5 x 3 x 2 cm Condition report: Good condition

Japanese Red Lacquer Double Face Ojime, Ca. 1920, 3/4" high, 5/8" wide, 1/2" deep, one side normal pleasant face, the other side is angry yelling face with mouth open, the condition is good.

Japanese carved Wood No Mask Okame Netsuke, Ca. 1920, Meiji, 1 1/2" high, 1 1/4" wide, 5/8" deep, round dot natural wood grain dimples on both chubby cheeks and wrinkles on forehead and face, the condition is good, shows old patina.

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s) Japanese boxwood okimono of a sleeping monk. The subject is a metaphor for a failure to reach enlightenment - instead of seeking and understanding the profound power of Buddha’s teaching the monk falls asleep. Nicely carved, wonderful tranquil face, pleasant patina. Signed YOSHIHISA on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1232. Height 2 inches.

Late Meiji - early Taisho ceramic netsuke of a chestnut. Bizen ware made in Okayama Prefecture - one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, characteristic fine brown clay. Wonderfully realistic depiction of the object, nice wear and patina, in excellent condition. Height 1 1/16 inches.

This early 20th century carved coral netsuke of an Oni (devil) mask is 1 ½” long, 1” wide and ½” thick. It depicts a very nicely carved and impressive Daikijin. One horn has been repaired. Aside from that, it is in great condition.

Antique Japanese kanzashi, hair comb, hand carved on “urushi" lacquer (natural lacquer produced only from the threes that grow in certain parts of Asia) and decorated in make with a rooster on a drum surrounded by auspicious flowers. The design comes from an ancient Chinese poem that describes the era that was ruled by Emperor Yao who was known for his wisdom and fairness. The poem reads, “The drum for raising alarms is now covered in deep moss, and the fowls are left undisturbed”...

1910s (late Meiji to early Taisho) Japanese wooden netsuke carved as a bean pod, its stem forming himotoshi (cord opening. Judging by the material ichii (Japanese yew wood) and clean realistic treatment of the subject, the netsuke was carved by a Hida school carver. Beautifully done, clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece, wonderful patina. Simple elegant piece in Japanese taste. Length 2.21 inches.

A well carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh theatre mask. Hand carved with a wonderful expressive face. Fine details show through the original finish and condition.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 1.75" W 2.75" H x 1" thick

Height: 3.3 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 4.6 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Fine Japanese wooden netsuke depicting Daikoku with a cat resting on his lucky sack; very fine carving throughout; deep himatoshi on the base; very good condition

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke, wonderfully carved into an adorable pair of monkeys wearing vests. The larger monkey sits on his hands with his little feet crossed over each other, and a smaller monkey climbs on his head. 19th/early 20th century Size: 1.75" height, 1" width

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) marine netsuke of a standing tanuki (badger) holding some huge unspecified part of its private parts in its paws. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: he drums with his paws on his large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness...

Late 19th century to early Taisho period Japanese netsuke (can be viewed as a small okimono) carved as three wise monkeys performing their habitual "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” routine in an unusual way by servicing each other: Mizaru with covered eyes, Kikazaru with covered ears and Iwazaru with covered mouth. Nice faces and hairwork, good depiction of limbs, light staining, himotoshi (cord openings) are formed by their limbs, pleasant patina. Length 2 5/8 inches.

A Japanese tobacco pouch, ojime and pipe case (kiseruzutsu) - a leather pouch with an impressed name/hallmark of a famous sake on the inside of the flap with a gilt bronze clasp of a Chinese man and go (Japanese chess, originally Chinese) table. The ojime is a Bizen type pottery bead modeled as a two headed karako (Chinese boy), lucky god Ebisu or Daikoku. The kiseruzutsu (pipe case) has a hand chiseled textured design on the exterior of an unknown material...

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke carving of a deer, laying very flat to the ground with his antlers tucked against his back.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 2.25" L x 1.25" W x .5" H

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke carving of an adorable puppy dog, sitting curled up with his feet underneath him.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 2" L x 1.5" W x 1.25" H

A Japanese tooled leather tobacco pouch decorated in low relief in gold and colors with shaped panels of boys at play, roosters, peonies, ducks, etc, silver peony shaped clasp; the pipe case in pressed fiber in imitation of rattan; agate ojime. Meiji period.

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1910s-1920s) netsuke of Kanon - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - standing on a base, her hands in front of her in praying attitude. Well carved, nicely etched design of a flowering bush with a butterfly on the back of her robe. Signed GEKKOKU on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 400 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 2 3/8 inches.

Height: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Width: 1 cm (0.4 in)
Depth: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Small Japanese wooden netsuke /okimono of a standing monkey; hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil; well carved with natural himatoshi behind leg; inlaid eye; good condition

Height: 3.9 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

Japanese netsuke of a mask maker; excellent scrim-work and fine carving throughout; signed on the base on a lacquer tablet; good condition

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1890s to 1920) lacquered wood netsuke representing a Gigaku theater mask of Baramon - a brahmin of the priestly Indian caste. Rather rare mask, superb quality wonderfully expressive face, lighter wood (probably ichii - Japanese yew wood), excellent use of silvery lacquer. Height 2 1/8 inches.

Unusual late Meiji period (1890s -1912) wooden sashi netsuke in a form of a pillar, its top carved as a face of the Zen Patriarch Daruma wearing monk’s cape. Wonderful face with severe expression, carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers, eyes are inlaid with metal. Himotoshi (cord opening) goes through the bottom to the back of the netsuke. Beautiful patina, very pleasant to hold. Height 4.2 inches.

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s)) netsuke of himono (dried fish, this one appears to be salmon) on top of a woven bamboo basket. Well captured essence of the objects, beautifully realistic desiccated texture of the fish. Cursively signed on the bottom - possibly reads KAWAYUKI. Excellent sense of volume, wonderful patina. Length 2.3 inches.

Late Meiji wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Namanari. The mask is mostly used in the play The Cursed Metal Head-Ring for the role of the wife who is crazed with jealosy beyond any possibility of redemption. Uncommon image, excellent mad facial expression. Cleverly carved out os soft evergreen wood in ittobori (one-cut) style characteristic of Hida school, colors and gold lacquer highlights, beautiful patina. Signed KYUNADA in ink on the back. Height 1 7/8 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s - 1910s) lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Oto (Okame) smiling widely and mockingly sticking out her tongue. Wonderful crisp detailing, beautifully painted, nice warm patina. Signed SANYU on the back. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Japanese tobacco pouch and kiseruzutsu pipe case in carved red and black lacquer (tsuishu, tsuikoku) with Chinese sages in a rocky landscape. The pouch is delicately hand embroidered in brown tones with the finest silk thread depicting flowers (morning glories?) and leaves with vines. The pocket inside is made out of a Sarasa fabric (treasured cotton fabric by tea masters from Edo period - they were originally brought from India during 16 - 17 centuries ) which is lined with a soft leather...

This charming Japanese netsuke has the face of Noh theatre character surrounded with intricate basket weave pattern. It is signed under the chin dimensions 2.5 x 2 x 1 inch

Unusual late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s) Japanese multimetal obidome (sash ornament) with engraved design of chrysanthemum flower with bud and leaves, and a textile spread for a picnic. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design in Japanese taste, superb engraving work. Different patinas and gilding, two loops on the back for an obi cord...

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of an Oni carrying Okame on his shoulders; fine details throughout; natural material; lacquer tablet on the base; good condition

Length: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Height: 2 cm (0.7 in)
Depth: 3.8 cm (1.6 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of a sparrow; natural material; deep himatoshi; good patina and feels great in the hand; good condition

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke of a persimmon, smooth and well carved with branch and two leaves.

Size: 1.5" x 1.5" x 1.25" H

Late Meiji / early Taisho period (1910s) Japanese kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder - made out of a section of bamboo stem. Carved in shallow relief with Kanon - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - seated on grass covered rockery over a stream. Wonderful tranquil face, excellent use of katakiribori - carving technique recreating the brush strokes used in sumi ink painting. Inscribed with a lengthy poem at the top...

The early 20th century celluloid netsuke is 2 1/8” in diameter and 5/8” thick. This kind of netsuke is called “Kagamibuta.” It is shaped like a Manju (round doughnut) but with a metal disc serving as a lid to a shallow bowl. The pressed silver alloy disc has a dragon design. It is in excellent condition.

A Japanese bamboo pipe case with a cut relief design of a bearded old man with a fan, Okina from Noh play, Meiji period. Length 9".

A wonderful boxwood carved netsuke of five turtles climbing on top of each other. Intricate details can be seen throughout, creating a very realistic form. Each turtle has little black eyes. The large turtle on bottom has retreated into his shell and has the artist's signature delicately carved into his belly "Senzan". Size: 2.25" height, 2" width, 1.75" depth

Japanese lacquered on Ceramic No Mask Obishimi Netsuke, Ca. 1920, Meiji period, 1 3/8" high, 1 1/8" wide, 3/4" deep, reddish brown lacquer on Ceramic with painted gold bull's eye, deep wrinkles on forehead, raised fat cheeks, details are bold and deep. The condition is good.

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke carving of a well fed plump puppy dog. Hand carved with one of the pups arm slightly raised in a playful manner. Original finish and condition.

Meiji period (1868-1912), 19th Century

Size: 1.75" L x 1" W x 1" H

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a scene from Japanese mythology of a warrior called Nitta No Shiro riding a wild boar. Nitta No shiro holds firmly in his hand a tanto, a traditional Japanese sword, with a sure and determined grip...

This early 20th century carved ivory netsuke is 3” high, 1 ¼” wide and 1” thick from the top. It depicts a standing westerner carrying a child on his back with his right arm; his left hand is holding a peach. The artist signature “Okatu” is on the bottom of his robe. It is in great condition.

Japanese Pink Glass Ojime Bead, 11/16" diameter, cord go through the large holes on the top and the bottom, to tightening for the Netsuke. There are some indentation on the surface and the open grains on the surface of the glass.

Japanese green Glass Ojime, 3/4" diameter, large holes on tops and the bottom where cord go through to tightening for Netsuke. There are some indentations on the glass surface.

Height: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a man bathing; he has one wall eye and a tumour on his forehead; good facial expression; signed on the base of his wash tub; good condition